Borrowing

First, check for the item in our Ventura County Library Online Enterprise Catalog. For help with your search, use our Enterprise Catalog FAQ. Remember, you can request items from other branches and have them delivered for pick-up at your local branch.

If none of the Ventura County Library branches own the item you seek, you can search for it in WorldShare and request it through our interlibrary loan (ILL) system. Here's how:

• Start at our eLibrary page
• Search for "WorldShare" by either scrolling down the page or by selecting the "W" in the A to Z list.
• Click on the GO TO RESOURCE button.
• You will need to enter your 14-digit VCL library card number and then will be directed into the WorldShare catalog.
• Go to "My Account" and select "New User Registration" and register to use the service (optional)
• Conduct a search for your item(s) - when you find the item held by another library, in the "Detailed Record" click on the link "Borrow this item from another library (Interlibrary Loan)"
• Fill in all the fields required - please pay special attention to enter your phone number correctly.
• Regarding the "Date Needed" field: give us a generous amount of time. We need to find a library 1) that owns the item, 2) is willing to loan it, and 3) where it is not checked out to another customer. Then, it comes through the U.S. mail. If you have a firm deadline, enter it. Please be aware we will discontinue our search when the date arrives.
• Under "Pickup Library" please enter the Ventura County Library location where you would like to pick up your items.
• Click SUBMIT - You should receive a green check mark indicating your request has been placed.  You can click on the green check to send yourself an email confirmation of the successful request.
• Library staff will process your request from this point.
• If you have registered an account, you can monitor your requests through My Account => Resource Sharing in the WorldShare catalog.
• Please keep in mind: we do not own these items and typically they cannot be renewed.

If you are unable to find the item, staff at your local Ventura County Library can provide further assistance by locating the item or you may elect to send us a Tell us what to buy form.

We're sorry, but we do not email library card numbers. As you hear from other card companies, this is for your own protection as there are costs associated with the card and its number, and email is not secure.

If you have lost your card, you can get a replacement card for $1.00 at any of our locations by filling out our library card form and showing ID with proof of residence (see: How can I get a library card).

You can get a temporary card number by registering online in our catalog.

Here's the process:

Start at https://www.vencolibrary.org/

     > Library Catalog [https://vent2.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/]

           > Login (and in the dialog box) Click Register and follow the prompts.

**Be sure to save the number given! Use that as your library card number. It will expire after 90 days, hopefully, by then you can get to a branch to get the permanent card.

• Further information about how to get a library card.

You may apply for a library card at any Ventura County Library. The initial card is FREE. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for a lost card. Your card gives you borrowing privileges at all Ventura County Library locations.

Get a permanent card 

• Visit your local Ventura County Library branch to create a new, permanent library card
  • Staff will provide you with a library card application to complete, and you will be asked to show a valid photo ID and proof of address
  • If you previously obtained a temporary card number by registering online, give that number to library staff so they can update your account (your permanent card number will replace your temporary card number)
  • A parent or guardian must be present to create a new library card for any individual under age 18 
• Bring your library card whenever you visit the library. You will be able to use your card as identification if you borrow desk research material or for use within the library for Internet computers. Your card also grants you access to the content of our online databases found on our eLibrary page. 
• You may be asked to update your address and contact information.
• If your card is lost or stolen, please report it to a library staff member immediately. A block will be placed against your file so that no one else can use your lost card.

When you request an item and it is ready to be picked up at the Ventura County Library location you chose, a notice will be sent via email or SMS (depending on your choice on the application).

Get a temporary card

• You can get a temporary card number by registering online in our catalog.
  
  Here are the step-by-step directions.
  
  
  
  Here's the process:
  
       Start at vencolibrary.org (you are on that site now - look above at the main menu across the page and start at...)
  
            > Library Catalog [https://vent2.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/]
  
                 > Login (and in the dialog box) click Register and follow the prompts.
  
  **Be sure to save the number given! Use that as your library card number. It will expire after 3 months. Hopefully, by then you can get to a branch to get the permanent card.
• See also: Does the Library have online registration? 

Payment of fees

• Use this link > Pay your fees
• You may also pay your fees by cash or personal check in person at the customer service desk
• If you would rather mail your check:
  • Please call your library location to get information regarding sending the correct amount to the correct location.
  • If you have verified your amount, you may send a check payable to "Ventura County Library" to P.O. Box 771 Ventura, CA 93002.
  • Important! Please remember to enter your library card number in the memo line.

Please note:

• You will not be able to check out items if you have fines or charges of $40.00 or more
• Delinquent accounts may be referred to a collection agency
• Collection Agency referral fee: $10.00 per referral

See also:

• How much are lost fees?
• What happens if I lose or damage a library item?

• Items may be renewed online through the Ventura County Library online catalog. You will need your library card and your library PIN. When your library account was originally set up, the last 4 digits of your phone number at that time were used unless you specified another set of numbers. If you do not know your PIN, call or visit your local library. 
  • Some items do not renew - these include sketchbooks and short loan reference items. 
  • Most items may be renewed three times (for three weeks each checkout/renewal period) unless another customer has placed a hold on the book.
  • Items requested by someone else may not be renewed and must be returned.
• Books may be renewed at the branch or by phone. You must have your library card with you to renew by phone. 
• Most library materials do not have to be returned to the library from which they were borrowed. They may be returned to any Ventura County Library.
  •  [Ventura County Library books may be returned to any public library in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. However, you are responsible for the book (and it will continue to accrue fines if overdue) until it reaches a Ventura County Library.]
• After hours, items may be returned in the branch library's book drop.
• Because audiovisual materials can be damaged when heavy books fall on top of them in the book drop, we prefer cassettes, compact discs, and videocassettes be returned to the customer service desk during the branch library's open hours.

See also: What is Auto Renew?

The PIN number is *usually* the last 4 digits of the phone number used when you originally got your library card, unless you chose another 4 digit combination at that time.

To reset or change your PIN, click on the "Forgot your PIN?" link on the login screen in the Enterprise Catalog (start by clicking "My Account").

Once you have your PIN - you can change it within our Enterprise Catalog under My Account > Change PIN.  

Notify us as soon as possible. We can set that lost card to "Lost" status and issue you a replacement card for just $1.00. That way no one else can use the lost card. You will need to simply show identification and fill out a new application form.

It depends.  Unused cards are purged from our system periodically, but yours *may* still be active. You can try bringing it in to any of our libraries, along with your identification, to see if you are still in our system.

Borrowers are legally responsible to pay for items lost or damaged beyond normal wear and tear. These charges cover the cost to the library for replacing the item, plus processing.

See also:

• How can I pay my fees?
• What is fine free? What are library fees?